In this thesis, a new bioremediation concept is designed and implemented. Using copper (II) as a model pollutant, the concept involves the use... Show moreIn this thesis, a new bioremediation concept is designed and implemented. Using copper (II) as a model pollutant, the concept involves the use of green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to efficiently collect copper ions from the environment, followed by encapsulating copper loaded algae with silica, thus reducing the bioavailability of copper ions in the environment. A proof-of-concept was established for this concept. In Chapter 1, a brief overview of bioremediation, current state-of–the-art bioremediation methods, and the mechanisms and applications of biosorption is introduced. In Chapter 2, the potential of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a copper (II) absorbent is demonstrated by quantifying the copper toxicity, copper uptake rate, copper uptake capacity, copper uptake conditions and effect factors, as well as copper release process from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In Chapter 3, a method of encapsulating Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with silica shell using the biomimetic silicification process is described. The silica shell formation is confirmed by both scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and the fluorescence images. Finally in Chapter 4, the work in this thesis is summarized and the future research direction is discussed. M.S. in Chemistry, May 2011 Show less
